19% Of Medicaid Youth With Autism Are Later Diagnosed With Co-Occurring Intellectual Disability

Among Medicaid beneficiaries aged 8 to 25 years with autism, about 20% were also diagnosed with an intellectual disability during the transition to adulthood. The likelihood of accruing a diagnosis of intellectual disability was higher among those with autism who had disruptions in Medicaid coverage compared to those who had no disruptions. The probability of acquiring a diagnosis of intellectual disability was highest at age 21, during the transition to adulthood.

During the transition to adulthood, Medicaid beneficiaries with autism are more likely to lose Medicaid benefits than those diagnosed with intellectual disability. Many states that cover services for children . . .